A Compromise on Trans Fats - Political Forum

emptypepsi · 11-03-2006, 04:40 PM

I think I have come up with a relatively reasonable idea for a compromise WRT the trans fat situation. It is apparent that Trans fats are nearly everywhere in the average American's diet. Restaurants, packaged foods like muffins and cookies, etc. all have traces or moderate amounts of trans fats or their partially hydrogenated oil components that become them. Trans Fats also have undeniable ties to the increasing rates of heart disease in this country. This is not conducive to our country's best interest. The real tragedy is that most people are not educated on the real issues regarding these Trans fats.

However, we can't TELL the restaurants what to cook with or not cook with. That is simply not fair to business owners. And I mean, come on - they don't MAKE these people eat the junk. These people line up everyday to fill up with this slop. Greasy food is a marketable product, obviously.

My idea: Why not petition the FDA to invoke the same action to restaurants as they do with labeling the amount of Trans Fats? In 1999 they required that Trans Fats be included on Nutrition Labels. If a restaurant uses Trans Fats to cook their meals with, why not require them to print a notice of this on their menus, or have a sign on their door stating this? That way it doesn't impose on the liberties of the business owners to sell what they please, and it informs the people of what they are doing, rather than simply hiding them from the problem (which sounds a little Brave New World/1984-ish to me).

Constructive comments or criticisms are appreciated.

Ygorl · 11-03-2006, 06:00 PM

I don't know. It sounds like a fair enough idea to me. We put warning labels on alcohol, cigarretes and pot . . .waitasec . . . nevrmind that's not legal

But, I think with the data out there on how this synthetic, man made fat affects and harms our bodies systems would support at least telling customers that it is present in what they're going to eat in a restaurant.

Food manufacturers were recently required to print it on their lists of ingredients in packaged foods, why not give people the information in restaurants TOO and let it be up to THEM if they want to put the stuff into their bodies ?

FRYandBENDER · 11-03-2006, 08:30 PM

I agree that no one should be allowed to tell restaraunt owners what they can put in there food, but I also agree with the idea that Americans are way too fat. I like the idea of just having them put a sign on the door or on the menu. On the big issue of our citizen's grotesque obesity, I thought it might be a good idea for the government to set up some kind of tax incentive for people who get into shape and stay in shape. I don't think that any leftist groups could really bitch about it because we could always counter with the data involving the increased feul usage due to obesity and the health insurance costs.

emptypepsi · 11-04-2006, 02:40 PM

right. Health is about personal responsibility. But with trans fats in restaurants, it's a gamble. You can't argue the responsibility spiel and then not give people at least basic info on the subject.

But yeah, increased driving, less exercise, not enough veggies/fruits in our diets all contribute as well. If we tell restaurants to ban it, we must by that logic BAN "not getting enough veggies" or "not exercising".

FRYandBENDER · 11-04-2006, 03:56 PM

What do you think about the tax incentive idea? I think it is pretty reasonable, especially if we end up having to keep dealing with all of these unruly countries, I would feel a lot better if our citizens were whipped into shape. I never really see too many fat assed jihadist. I realize that this is hopefully an extreme possibility, but you never know.

emptypepsi · 11-04-2006, 04:39 PM

I don't like the idea of taxing it (I do not want any more taxes than there currently are), but I am with you on whipping the populace into shape. I often fear that a land-take over would be quite easy given the terrible shape of most people.

Kidding, but of course our country is in generally bad shape.

Ygorl · 11-04-2006, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emptypepsi

I don't like the idea of taxing it (I do not want any more taxes than there currently are), but I am with you on whipping the populace into shape. I often fear that a land-take over would be quite easy given the terrible shape of most people.

Kidding, but of course our country is in generally bad shape.

Buncha lazy g'damn fatasses.

Sorry, HAD to say it. Sadly it's true. Go out and look at the people in public if you don't beleive me

Bah, ...

... Oh well, I take care of myself at least. Everyone else wants to die young and be fat and hideous that's no concern of mine I guess.

I guess it kind of IS though in ways. I don't think we need the "diet and exersize police" or "pig" or "glutton" taxes yet though LOL

FRYandBENDER · 11-05-2006, 12:19 AM

No, I mean that people who give proof that they loose weight get a tax rebate or exemption or something for every 5 or 10 pounds that they lose, as well as for people who stay in shape.

Otter · 11-06-2006, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FRYandBENDER

No, I mean that people who give proof that they loose weight get a tax rebate or exemption or something for every 5 or 10 pounds that they lose, as well as for people who stay in shape.

Well, it sounds good, but how would it work? Send in your medical record with your taxes? And I bet many people would just crash diet to lose 20 lbs in March, and then gain it right back plus five after they get the physical (and teh deduction)

FRYandBENDER · 11-07-2006, 08:52 PM

Well, I haven't worked it out, but I'm sure if we can put a go-cart on Mars we could figure this out, plus I would like a stipulation to be that they have to stay healthy, make it a running thing, maybe even work it out to where it is beneficial for them to keep their kids healthy, not that there isn't enough incentive already.